At the time of understanding ourselves, we should know that we all carry some child hidden in the inner-most recesses of our being. No one is mature in every area, in every trait and in every reaction. I repeat: even in the most mature personalities there lives a child who suddenly shows his face through the most unexpected window.
If we could only judge ourselves better!
I always say, “The first gift of the Holy Spirit is self-criticism.”
Some weeks ago, we had a revision of life. When I was watching So-and-so defending himself, mounted on the colt of rationalization. I was thinking: How blind he is! What a way to close his eyes to the light and the evidence!
I have always said that the Father grants us the grace (at least) of doubting our position when someone criticizes us. But today, I am saying more: we shall be eternally plunged into the night of shortsightedness and deceit until we open our eyes and acknowledge what we are, as did the publican: I am a “sinner,” I need to change, help me!
We should imitate our brother who told another, “If you want to show that you love me, please warn me about anything objectionable that you might observe in my behavior. When you warn me, I’m sure I’ll fly into a temper, but that doesn’t matter. Bear with me and tell me”.
Blessed are those who proceed in this way, because they already possess the kingdom of heaven. The surest sign for measuring human maturity is the capacity to absorb the criticisms of others with peace.
Grant us, Lord, the gift of wisdom and of self-criticism.
Extracted from the book Come with me, written by Fr. Ignacio Larrañaga
